Set up in 1995, London Maccabi FC is home to around 40 teams across Senior, Junior and Masters football. Over the last year, the clubs Rowley Lane home ground has undergone renovations including the addition of a new 200 seat stand, dedicated to the memorable Maccabi player Alan Mattey. As part of these renovations, a new sports floodlighting solution has also been installed.
Although Rowley Lane sports ground is near a large estate of open space, the majority of the grounds look out onto a bypass, primary school and large area of Borehamwood residences. London Maccabi FC needed a lighting solution that would effectively light the pitch to the required lighting levels without affecting the local area or skyline. Using our experience and knowledge, Abacus worked alongside London Cost Consultancy and PJ Steel on the stadium development to produce a lighting design that met these needs.
Planning permission was the biggest challenge in this project. For Maccabi FC to have permanent sports floodlighting, the solution had to cater not only to the clubs requirements but take into account the local neighbourhood and landscape. Having successfully worked on projects needing strong light control and aesthetic considerations, the use of telescopic masts proved to be the ideal option and six of these masts were installed at Maccabi FC. A practical and easy to operate system, these 15m masts lower to 8m with the ability to raise and switch on within 30 seconds of a touch of a button. These telescopic masts were designed specifically for this site, taking into consideration planning, installation, maintenance and operational aspects.
Maintenance is important for leagues at all levels and effective lighting during training and game play is vital. Each league level has set lighting requirements which are most important during games and televised play. In order for these levels to be consistently met, lighting systems must be maintained and components such as lamps must be replaced when necessary to avoid downtime or ineffective lighting. Telescopic masts lower the fittings and mast body to a set height, in this case 8m, which allows for maintenance to be undertaken at a low height, reducing the level of risk for maintenance personnel using cherry pickers or machinery.
With careful thought for the neighbouring area, the Challenger 1 was the optimum choice for the Rowley Lane ground as its flat glass design and integral baffle gives exceptional light control. As the fourteen Challenger floodlights direct precise beams of light onto the pitch, light overspill off pitch is limited. Integral baffles reduces glare to players and spectators giving the best experience both on and off the pitch. The IP66 rated body and toughened front glass protects the lamp and components from the elements in addition to any stray footballs that may reach the floodlights in either the raised or lowered position.
Challenger 1 floodlights increase the ease of maintenance with access via a rear panel allowing maintenance personnel to check or replace any lamps or integral components safely, quickly and easily.
With a lighting solution to suit, the club is now able to play matches at night to further promote the club, giving all club teams increased opportunity to train as well as play. London Maccabi FC celebrated the opening of the newly revamped grounds with a commemorative match between Alan’s All-Star Lions versus Arsenal Charity XI in front of spectators, local councillors and trustees.
Product Overview
Telescopic Masts
Abacus’ comprehensive range of telescopic masts has been developed to address the increasingly difficult planning equirements that clients have to meet in ‘sensitive’ locations. This highly engineered, patented solution provides the ideal alternative to fixed-mast floodlighting – even in space-restricted areas.
